We've just got to get the country reading more, and if the only way to do this is for me to run 26 miles - then so be it.

Basically, the way this works is - the more I run, the more kids read. The more money we raise - the more kids read. The more I talk about this, the more likely people are to donate in order to stop me hassling them.

Don't read too much into this, but do read lots in general.

Let's not forget, I'm doing it for the kids - the readers of tomorrow. With your help, they could well be reading today, and if not, then certainly by early next week.

Together, we can make illiteracy history.

Thanks again for chipping in.

Your old pal,

Ralph.